Gyms across the nation are desperately seeking female fitness trainers, according to a leisure industry job board.

Leisurejobs.com claims that 45% of its applicants are now female and the number of women applying for jobs in the field has grown.

YMCA Fitness Industry Training claims that the percentage of women attending its courses has grown from 33% to 43%.

In the 80s, muscle-flexing alpha males dominated gyms – but now women and men share the same gym space with women dominating exercise classes.

According to Leisurejobs, women using gyms feel more comfortable around female trainers, find them less intimidating and can use female-only changing rooms, avoiding embarrassment.

What’s more, well-toned young women in leotards help persuade more men to become members.